Pilot boarding arrangements
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether planning, equipment condition, competent supervision and real-time monitoring provide safe pilot embarkation and disembarkation under the vessel's actual freeboard, weather, movement and terminal conditions.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1Who authorises and supervises pilot embarkation and disembarkation?
Identify the responsible officer and the competent operator or attendant, including who monitors changing conditions.
2What are the stop criteria?
Use defined limits for pilot-ladder length, combination arrangement, ship-side doors, lee, speed, freeboard, rigging, supervision and communications, equipment defect, lost communication and unsafe movement.
3Show the pre-use inspection.
Physically verify certified pilot ladder, spreaders, steps, side ropes, shackles, strong points, stanchions, lighting, lifebuoy and heaving line and reconcile the check with pilot-ladder inspection log, certificate, rigging checklist and Master's exchange.
4How will a person be recovered after a fall or equipment failure?
Explain the immediate alarm, fall protection or flotation, retrieval method, medical response and alternative access.
5What changed since the last use?
Check rigging, certification, repairs, berth geometry, weather and vessel condition rather than copying the previous assessment.
Where an observation may arise
The assessment did not address pilot-ladder length, combination arrangement, ship-side doors, lee, speed, freeboard, rigging, supervision and communications.
Inspection identified damaged step or rope, deck fittings used as unverified strong points, magnet misuse, poor lighting or unattended ladder.
The arrangement lacked a responsible officer, competent attendant or continuous monitoring.
Operation continued beyond a weather, movement, angle, freeboard or maker limit.
No effective recovery method was immediately available.
Physical condition or configuration did not agree with pilot-ladder inspection log, certificate, rigging checklist and Master's exchange.
Master's practical note
Assess the arrangement as a moving system, not a static appliance. Vessel movement, changing tide and the interface with shore usually determine whether a compliant arrangement remains safe.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Follow SOLAS, flag, port, terminal and maker requirements. Stop the operation if a safe arrangement cannot be maintained, even if commercial delay results.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 5.10.1
- SOLAS Chapter V regulation 23
- IMO resolution A.1045(27) as amended
Last reviewed: 2026-09-13